Horticultural News.

Horticultural News.

Our Magnolia tree, that struggles to survive, is now in flower. This has to be one of nature's most glorious perfumed flowers and the Grandiflora is a truly beautiful tree when kept well.

Magnolia grandiflora. Common Names: southern magnolia, bull bay, Family: Magnoliaceae (magnolia Family) Southern magnolia is a large, broad-leafed evergreen tree that can grow 60-90 ft (18-27 m) in height with a trunk up to 2-3 ft (0.6-0.9 m) in diameter. It's trunk is typically straight and erect with spreading branches that form a dense, broadly pyramidal crown. The evergreen leaves are large 5-8 in (13-20 cm) long, leathery and dark glossy green above with rusty, velveteen undersides. Southern magnolia has large, showy white flowers that are 8-12 in (20-30 cm) in diameter. These have a pleasant fragrance and appear throughout the spring and summer. The fruits are reddish-brown conelike structures, 2-4 in (5-10 cm) long, with bright red kidney shaped seeds that hang from little threads when fully mature in autumn.

Happy Birthday McKay Gardens

Happy Birthday McKay Gardens.

Yes ladies and gentlemen this year is the Garden's 100th birthday, a time to celebrate and make a splash!

The Friends will hold their first monthly meeting on Saturday 31st of January between 9 and 10am in the church meeting rooms in the Gardens.

On the agenda:
The Friends of the McKay Gardens have been successful in receiving a grant under the Federal Volunteer Grants Program to assist us in our activities. Congratulations to Helen for her application writing abilities. Now to discuss how to make best use of the funds.

Further discussion to develop our joint project with the Sunshine and District Historical society. So far free plant give aways are proposed, possibly along with Friends Badge sales. If you are interesting in propagating plants for this or other purposes please contact the Friends. Other suggestions welcome.

Discussion of lobbying the Council for full watering strategy for the gardens. Due to restrictions on the use of potable water, the Gardens are still being under watered. We need a more sustainable watering solution.

Afterwards: Tea and coffee for those would like it. A stroll through the Gardens and rubbish clean up.

More News:
You may have noticed that the wrought iron gates on Anderson Road have been missing for a while. These have been removed by Council for repair. The good news is that Council has received funding for the restoration of the gates and gate posts.

Two new seats have been installed around the “Green” including the one to replace the Dorothy McNeil memorial seat.

The flower beds around the “Green” are now in full bloom and worth a look. Unfortunately, grass on the Green hasn't survived lack of water although I'm told it may sprout with Autumn rains.

Monthly Meetings

Monthly meetings are held on the last Saturday of each month from 9 -10am at the church meeting rooms. Church Meeting Rooms McKay Gardens, Anderson Rd Sunshine.



If you are interesting in growing plants, getting some exercise, writing grant applications, newsletters, media releases, gaining experience in administration, doing historic research or just socializing with like minded people then...

Come along and help us restore these historic gardens.

Annual membership fee of $5.00 or $2.00 concession.


Members receive a monthly newsletter.

Every one welcome.